The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favour with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

"A film of solid craftsmanship led by another royally magnificent performance by Judi Dench."

​"This is a very warm story about an unusual relationship surrounded by palace intrigue, power struggles and jealousy. It is about the loneliness of a world-weary Queen who finds the emotional support she needs in a man from a very different culture."